Fall Has Arrived: Why Steeplechase Is a Favorite Charleston Fall Tradition
There are certain signs that fall has made its way to Charleston. The humidity finally starts giving us a break, weekends begin filling up and spending an entire day outside sounds fun again. Around here, that can only mean one thing: Steeplechase season is here.
The Steeplechase of Charleston presented by Lexus returns November 15, bringing together horse racing, tailgating, fall fashion, friends, family and plenty of Charleston tradition for one of the most anticipated days of the season.
Fall in Charleston Just Hits Different
After months of stepping outside and immediately wondering why you left the air conditioning, those first cooler days feel pretty amazing.
Suddenly, you can leave the house before the sun goes down without feeling like it’s 110 degrees. Spending the whole day outside becomes something to look forward to, and Steeplechase gives you the perfect excuse.
Grab your friends, bring the family and enjoy a November day at the racetrack. Charleston may not give us a long fall, but we certainly know how to make the most of it.
A Tradition Made for Friends & Family
For many guests, Steeplechase is more than an event on the calendar. It’s something they look forward to doing with the same friends and family year after year.
And if this is your first Steeplechase, maybe this is the year you start your own tradition.
There’s plenty for younger race fans too, including the Family Fun Zone and always-popular Corgi Cup. Plus, children 12 and under receive free General Admission. Just remember that everyone entering the event needs a ticket, including children.
Tailgating Is Part of the Tradition
A great Steeplechase day starts at the tailgate.
Set up your space, unpack the food, pour your favorite race day drink and settle in. Your tailgate becomes home base between races, but don’t be surprised if your group gets a little bigger as the day goes on.
Say hello to the tailgate next door, share a snack or compare setups. We know how to make friends in the South, and offering someone a drink or a plate of food is usually a pretty good start. By the end of the day, you might leave with a few new friends to add to next year’s guest list.
And speaking of drinks, you can’t go wrong with a classic race day cocktail. We’ve got a bourbon recipe that’s perfect for mixing up at your tailgate.
There are still plenty of great tailgate spots with amazing views available, so grab yours and start planning. And if setting everything up isn’t your thing, check out our Tailgate Package and let us do some of the work for you.
Fall Fashion Gets Its Race Day Moment
Here’s another reason to love a fall race day: our hair might actually cooperate, our makeup won’t melt and no one has to pretend a sweaty shirt is part of the outfit.
Whether your style is a dress and statement hat, boots and jeans, a bow tie or something completely your own, cooler weather makes getting dressed for Steeplechase that much more fun.
And when everyone is dressed, the tailgate is decorated and Charleston weather decides to behave? It’s a pretty great day for pictures. Get the group together, find your favorite spot around the racetrack and make sure someone remembers to take the photo.
And don’t forget to share your race day looks, tailgate setups and group shots on social media and tag us @steeplechaseofcharleston. We want to see how you do Steeplechase!
More Than Just the Races
The horses may be the stars of the day, but there’s plenty happening between races.
Shop local vendors at the Merchant Market, grab something delicious from one of our food trucks, watch the Corgi Cup, visit the Paddock, catch the Opening Ceremonies and live music, stop by the Winner’s Circle or snap a photo with the Horse of Many Feathers.
And while you’re exploring the Merchant Market, stop by our table and grab some Steeplechase of Charleston swag to remember the day.
Find Your Spot in the Lexus VIP Lounge
Looking for a different way to spend your fall race day? Head to the Lexus VIP Lounge, where you can grab a cocktail, mingle with friends and enjoy the races in a relaxed lounge atmosphere.
Enjoy high-end food and beverages throughout the day, elevated views of the racing action and private restrooms. Want your own dedicated space? Tables for six or eight are also available for groups who want to make a day of it together.
Some Traditions Are Worth Looking Forward To
Fall in Charleston never seems to last quite long enough, which is all the more reason to make the most of it.
Get outside, gather your people, meet a few new ones and spend a day enjoying everything that makes fall in the Lowcountry so special.
The Steeplechase of Charleston presented by Lexus returns November 15. Grab your tickets, find your tailgate spot or spend the day in the Lexus VIP Lounge and make Steeplechase part of your fall tradition.
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